Animal Welfare Volunteering in Peru

Maximo Nivel is a locally based organization in Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Peru. Volunteer abroad—get involved, make an impact, and learn to serve by working on local projects: - Working with Kids - Teaching English - Conservation - Construction - Animal Care - Eco-Agriculture - Medical and Healthcare To qualify: - Volunteers must be 18+ years of age or accompanied by a parent or guardian. - We require background checks from our volunteers. - Come with a great attitude and a willingness to pitch in. Since 2003, Maximo Nivel has been a leader in educational travel and study abroad. Our work-study-travel programs host more than 4,000 people per year. We are a professional, ethical, and hard-working organization that is completely dedicated to providing a great experience to every participant, student, traveler, and client! Every day, we strive to set ourselves apart and provide the best volunteer, education, and cultural experiences in Latin America, along with top-notch client service and great home-based facilities. Live it!

GoEco is one of the world’s top volunteer organizations, with award-winning and ethical programs selected by sustainable travel experts. Since 2006, tens of thousands of volunteers have taken part in projects and internships worldwide, focusing on wildlife and marine conservation, education, and medical initiatives. GoEco operates in over 50 countries, providing unique cultural immersive experiences that aim to make a positive impact on the environment and society. The organization also offers internships and academic programs for students. GoEco provides safe and meaningful experiences while promoting sustainable travel and reducing carbon emissions.

Visit three different continents in a single program, traversing South Africa, Peru, and Sri Lanka. This 8-month adventure starts in the Kruger area where you'll engage in wildlife conservation efforts to protect Africa's iconic Big 5 (lion, tiger, elephants, rhinos, and buffalos). Next, you will transition to False Bay where you will contribute work in a marine research center helping towards underwater conservation. The third pit stop is in Peru where you will help plant trees, discover sustainable farming methods, and support local communities in protecting their environment. The last stop is an internship in Sri Lanka, where you will help conserve the endangered turtle species’ nesting sites and monitor turtle activities along Sri Lanka’s beautiful coastline. This program offers diverse experiences, ranging from marine exploration to teaching to professional growth—all while making lasting impacts on diverse communities. Join us on this life-changing journey of learning, cultural immersion, and meaningful contributions across continents.

At International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ), we unite people from over 96 countries who want to make a meaningful difference while exploring the world. With 300+ projects in 40+ destinations, IVHQ offers the widest selection of volunteer programs globally—from Teaching and Childcare to Wildlife Conservation, Medical Outreach, and Environmental Sustainability. Since 2007, IVHQ has supported over 147,000 volunteers on life-changing journeys. We specialize in fully-hosted volunteer trips that are safe, affordable, and accessible—starting from just $20 per day. Your experience includes airport pick-up, accommodation, meals, and round-the-clock support from our local teams. With flexible booking options and no change fees, planning your volunteer adventure has never been easier. Our programs run year-round and are available for 1 to 24 weeks across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Pacific, South and Central America, North America, the Caribbean, and the Middle East. Volunteering with IVHQ is about more than giving back—it’s about growing, learning, and building genuine global connections.

Visit two of South America’s most iconic countries—Peru and Ecuador—and discover the lost lands of the Incas! Start your adventure in South America with intensive Spanish lessons, then step up the adventure with an epic trek across the Andes to Machu Picchu on the remote Salkantay route—over icy mountain passes and through mysterious cloud forests to the remains of a fallen civilization. Then, it's time to explore Ecuador's natural beauty. From surfing and whitewater rafting to hiking and exploring volcanoes, Ecuador has it all! For your second project, you will spend three weeks deep in the Ecuadorian rainforest and complete vital conservation work. Get face-to-face and hand-to-paw with rainforest inhabitants while volunteering at a rescue center for wild animals. And learn the secrets of life in the rainforest directly from an Indigenous community while staying at an eco-lodge. Finish your epic journey with a visit to one of the most famous national parks on Earth, the Galapagos Islands! Hike, sail, and snorkel your way around the islands made famous by Charles Darwin. You will then return to Quito for the final trek to the center of the world!

At Projects Abroad, we’re passionate about travel with a purpose. Since being founded in 1992, more than 130,000 volunteers have traveled to over 20 destinations around the world. Our programs will make you step out of your comfort zone and engage with your new friends from around the world. These are long-term projects, led by local people and aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. By taking part in our programs, even for a short time, you will be contributing towards a sustained effort to support the communities that host us! We believe no other provider offers the safety and security to their volunteers and interns that we do. You'll receive 24-hour staff support from our trained staff, alongside a gold standard of safety planning of your trip - so you don't have to worry about a thing. Choose a project you are passionate about from working with children to medical internship, conservation, and wildlife volunteering. We offer projects starting at one week in over 20 stunning destinations across Asia, Africa, Latin America & The Caribbean, South Pacific & Europe. Ready to make a difference? Follow the link to visit our website!

Find out why more and more people are choosing to become a Love Volunteer! Love Volunteers is the most affordable way to volunteer and help local communities in developing countries! Why are we cheaper than other organisations? Firstly, we are just a handful of passionate people working hard to help volunteers and local communities around the world. We don't have huge overheads - no company cars, no downtown office - we're just volunteers who knew we could do a better job. Secondly, we work with local organisations wherever we can to keep administration costs to a minimum and also to feed as much money and skills into the local communities where we operate. All of Love Volunteers partner organisations have been fully vetted to ensure that, not only does a genuine need for assistance exist, but that the environments that we place our volunteers are safe and of high quality. Choose from one or more of our 200+ amazing community-based programs in 37 developing countries around the world. Every program has been personally visited by one of our dedicated staff members and is regularly audited to ensure it meets our high standards in terms of safety, sustainability, and local impact.

Looking to apply your talent and expertise to a good cause? Find a program that matches your interests and skills through Volunteer World! We are the largest volunteer abroad comparison platform around the globe, enabling you to seek and compare offers from major travel agencies as well as smaller grassroots NGOs and local specialists in more than 80 countries. All these with just one click! Find projects in wildlife, teaching, community development, and several other areas. Simply choose your desired destination and desired travel date, and our search engine will compare the best volunteer abroad programs on your behalf. Whether you wish to gain experience at a wildlife sanctuary in South Africa or teach English at a monastery in Nepal, we've got you covered. Volunteer World guarantees a quick and easy application. We will guide you through this process, as well as help plan your next meaningful trip. We provide free access to quality-checked projects and flexible options. And if anything goes wrong, we've got your back with our qualified support team and our refund guarantee.

Volunteer at a dog rescue center in the magnificent city of Cusco in Peru with Globalteer. Participants work directly with the dogs at the rescue center, preparing their food, walking them, socializing with them, and training them. Many of the dogs at the center previously lived on the streets and suffered serious injuries from being run over by cars, fighting among packs, or being beaten by market stall owners, as well as suffering from malnourishment and general mistrust of humans. The main objective of the dog rescue center is to nurture the dogs back to health through receiving veterinary treatment and loving care from veterinary students and volunteers. Whenever possible, the dogs are placed in caring adoptive homes. The Peru Dog Rescue Shelter works with dogs that have been abandoned, abused, or injured in and around the city of Cusco, the oldest continually inhabited city in South America. The shelter also works with local authorities and other organizations to sponsor sterilization and deworming campaigns, as well as raise awareness in Cusco about the importance of caring for dogs.

Lima, the capital of Peru, is located on the west coast of the Pacific along the Rímac River. This large, international city balances both modern and traditional influences, which evolved from Peru's history as the home of the Inca and numerous other civilized cultures dating back as far as 2000 BC. Opportunities vary from rehabilitating marine life to working with disabled or at-risk youth to creating environmental protection campaigns. By partnering with community-based organizations and following a structured, reflection-based curriculum, you will learn how local experts address these issues with available resources while developing intercultural and leadership skills in a real-world context. Each of our community-based organizations is unique, so visit our website to learn more about your options. Although all our programs are great, we especially recommend Lima for students who are interested in marine biology or human rights.

Inspire, Educate & Empower Communities Across the World Are you passionate about education and cross-cultural exchange? Do you dream of making a positive impact while traveling the world? With Volunteering Journeys’ English Teaching Programs Abroad, you can inspire young minds, build confidence, and open opportunities for children and adults across Peru, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and the Maldives. Whether you’re a student on a gap year, a certified teacher, or simply a fluent English speaker looking to make a difference, teaching abroad is one of the most rewarding ways to contribute to global education while immersing yourself in fascinating cultures. In many developing regions, English proficiency opens the door to education, employment, and better economic opportunities. However, limited resources and teacher shortages often leave students without access to quality English education. By joining Volunteering Journeys’ teaching programs, you’ll help bridge this gap. You’ll work in local schools, community centers, or after-school programs — improving English literacy, conversational confidence, and cultural awareness.

Join us for an unforgettable 14-day cultural immersion experience in Perú, where we explore the breathtaking landscapes and rich traditions of the Sacred Valley. Our adventure begins with stunning hikes to Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain, where we walk in the footsteps of the Incas. We’ll engage in meaningful community service, working with llamas to support sustainable Andean practices and learning age-old farming techniques from local Quechua families. This program offers hands-on experiences that not only promote environmental conservation but also empower local communities. As we traverse historical sites like Ollantaytambo and Cusco, we’ll participate in a chocolate workshop and enjoy a cooking class with a professional chef, deepening our understanding of Peruvian cuisine. With 10 hours of community service, we’ll actively contribute to the preservation of cultural heritage while forging lifelong connections. Join us to create lasting memories and make a meaningful impact in the Sacred Valley!

Cusco, Peru – easily one of the top 5 ancient civilization centers of the world - is also home to immense scenic beauty, biodiversity, and incredible culture. Bordering the Pacific Coast, Andes & Amazon, Peru is an ancient land with one of the richest collections of historic artifacts known to man. As a rich country in natural resources, Peru has many dimensions, and unfortunately, social development has not kept pace in all regions. Education, illiteracy, and fundamental social justice among poorer communities continue to divide the rich and the poor. IVI’s work mainly focuses on vulnerable areas that can benefit from voluntary services. Programs include: - Alpaca & Llama Farm - Animal Care & Rehabilitation - Teaching English - Childcare - Rainforest Conservation - Indigenous Community Immersion - Public Health & Nutrition - Medical Hospital - Community Construction - Christmas & New Year Holiday Internships: - Hospitality & Tourism Internship - Human Rights Internship - Medical Internship - Micro-Business Internship - Special Education Internship - Education Internship - Veterinary Internship - Dental Internship

Peru is one of United Planet’s most popular volunteer destinations. Join participants from around the globe for 1-12 weeks in this diverse nation with friendly people, breathtaking landscapes, and ancient ruins. Discover a society that is as complex as the handwoven tapestries you find in the market. Stay with host families in Cusco, where you’ll gain a firsthand look at the economic and political issues affecting locals on a daily basis. Whether it’s your first overseas volunteer experience or the nth time, the locals’ warm welcome and kindness will make you feel at home. As a volunteer in Peru, you’ll help break the cycle of poverty by working at community centers. You could also partner with orphanages, after-school programs, youth organizations, and women’s shelters. In return, you’ll build relationships and leave a lasting impression on the lives of those you meet.

The Opwall Peru project is based in the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, found deep in the forests of the Amazon basin—so deep that this project involves living and working off a river boat! The first few days are spent completing a wildlife ecology and conservation course en route to the site, traveling along the river on a restored and converted boat from the rubber boom era. Once at the site, your group moors the boat and conducts surveys involving everything from pink river dolphins to macaws to caiman alligators. Operation Wallacea is a research and environmental organization working alongside university and college academics to build long-term datasets to put towards various conservation management goals. We recruit volunteers who can help with data collection, training them in the skills and background needed to help effectively. There's also the option to complete dissertations or senior theses at our sites. This project is currently open to school/college groups every March.

Volunteering with us lets you contribute to community projects in English teaching, environmental education, youth activities, and animal welfare. All multi-project volunteers support our four HELP programmes at the REC in Cerrito de la Virgen: HELP English, HELP Environment, HELP Youth, and HELP Literacy. You can also join activities such as Global Glow (girls’ empowerment), homework support, English classes in schools and the library, helping at the dog shelter, small renovation projects, or library inventory. This hands-on role is great for those who enjoy working with children and want insight into NGO work. Living in Huanchaco, a friendly surf town, also offers cultural immersion and plenty of chances to meet new people. The position includes strong exposure to Spanish, ideal for speakers or learners. Volunteers with specific skills can take on more responsibility as HELP Project Coordinators. All roles are available as internships, with extra mentorship and academic support.

As a volunteer at Amazon Shelter, you’ll be immersed in every part of our vital conservation work. From preparing specialized diets and feeding the animals to enriching their enclosures, collecting fresh leaves for our Howler monkeys, cleaning habitats, and assisting with repairs and maintenance, you’ll play an active role in the daily care and rehabilitation of wild animals. Every task you take on helps restore the lives of animals affected by deforestation, illegal trafficking, and habitat destruction. Your work directly supports the health of one of the planet’s most fragile and essential ecosystems. You'll learn from experienced wildlife keepers and veterinarians, gaining hands-on knowledge about how a real conservation project operates and deepening your understanding of native Amazonian species. And perhaps best of all, you’ll live in the heart of the Amazon rainforest, surrounded by a community of people who share your love for nature, wildlife, and sustainable living. Come ready for hard work, deep connection, and a life-changing adventure. This is more than volunteering; it’s your chance to be part of something significant.

La Isla de los Monos is a sanctuary and rescue center located 30 km from Iquitos, Peru, in the heart of the Amazon jungle. Our 450-hectare island focuses on rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing New World monkeys. As a volunteer, you'll live on the island for a minimum stay of one week, with accommodations in private or shared rooms, depending on volunteer numbers. You'll have single-sex rooms that are fully enclosed, with a separate bathroom, cold water shower, and flushing toilets. We provide three meals per day, and you'll have all the essentials, including a bed, linens, pillow, towel, and mosquito net. Your daily duties will involve caring for and spending time with the monkeys, cleaning the house and grounds, and planting and harvesting fruits and vegetables. You can also suggest and work on projects to benefit the monkeys. No prior experience with monkeys is required—just a willingness to help and a love for animals.

Colitas Con Canas, located in Ahunamarca above Urubamba in Peru's Sacred Valley, invites volunteers to help care for rescued animals. At our shelter, you will work with local and international volunteers, providing care and affection to our rescued dogs. This is a chance to make a real difference in the lives of these animals while experiencing the culture and history of the Sacred Valley. Volunteers should plan to stay for at least two weeks. You will work six hours a day, with two days off each week. Your tasks will include socializing with the dogs, walking them, feeding them, and helping with their medical care. You'll also help with cleaning the shelter and maintaining the grounds. In your free time, you can explore the Sacred Valley, home to Inca archaeological sites such as Machu Picchu, the Pisac Market, and the citadels of Pisac and Ollantaytambo. You can also enjoy hiking, biking, and visiting the town of Urubamba, known for its good restaurants and friendly people. This volunteer experience offers you the chance to learn about the Inca civilization, improve your Spanish, and immerse yourself in the local culture.

Looking for a volunteer adventure that combines animal care with stunning beaches? Our program in Colán, Peru, might be your perfect match! Located in a charming beach town on the north coast, our animal shelter provides a loving and safe haven for rescued cats and dogs. This volunteer program is ideal for passionate animal lovers who want to make a lasting impact. You'll spend your days directly caring for the animals, providing them with love, exercise, and a helping hand on their journey to finding forever homes. It's more than just feeding and walking – you can also get involved in creative projects, help maintain the shelter, or even learn from our veterinarians. Minimum commitment is two weeks, but we highly recommend staying longer! This allows the animals time to get used to you, and vice versa, creating a deeper connection and maximizing your impact.